La Joliette

La Joliette Marseille: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

La Joliette, located in the heart of Marseille, is a prime example of how historic legacy and urban modernization can coexist. Once a vital 19th-century maritime and industrial center, La Joliette has evolved into a thriving district that captures the essence of Marseille’s transformation—from a bustling port to a cosmopolitan hub of culture, business, and innovation. Today, La Joliette boasts world-class museums, iconic architecture, vibrant markets, and waterfront attractions, making it an essential stop for visitors exploring Marseille.

This guide provides detailed information on key attractions, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, transportation, and insider tips to ensure you make the most of your time in La Joliette. Whether you are passionate about history, architecture, culture, or leisure, this district offers something for every traveler.

For further planning and resources, consult reputable platforms such as archik.fr, Invest in Provence, and Marseille Tourism.

Façade of Musée Regards de Provence in Marseille

Introduction and Historical Significance of La Joliette
Key Attractions: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Planning Your Visit: Best Times, Getting There, Tours, and Photography
Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries
Accommodation, Dining, and Shopping
Visitor FAQs and Practical Tips
References and Further Reading

Historical Significance of La Joliette

La Joliette’s roots are entwined with Marseille’s ancient history as a Mediterranean port. Its strategic location made it a natural extension of the city’s commerce and industry, particularly in the 19th century. The construction of new docks and warehouses, especially after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, cemented its role as a global trading center (archik.fr). The decline of industry in the late 20th century led to a period of neglect, but the ambitious Euroméditerranée project, initiated in the 1990s, sparked a renaissance, transforming La Joliette into a blend of preserved heritage and pioneering urban design (Invest in Provence).

Key Attractions: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00 (closed Mondays)
Tickets: €11 for adults; free for under 18s and EU residents under 26; discounts available
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible; lifts and ramps throughout
Highlights: Striking contemporary architecture, permanent and temporary exhibitions on Mediterranean cultures, rooftop terrace with panoramic views, access to historic Fort Saint-Jean
Official website: MuCEM

Cosquer Méditerranée

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00 (closed Mondays)
Tickets: €14 for adults; reduced rates available
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; support available on request
Highlights: Faithful recreation of the prehistoric Cosquer Cave, immersive multimedia experience
Official website: Cosquer Méditerranée

Les Docks Village

Hours: Shops and restaurants typically open 10:00–19:00 (some open later)
Entry: Free
Features: Renovated 19th-century warehouses hosting over 60 boutiques, eateries, art galleries, and event spaces (somma.life)

The Voûtes

Features: Restored stone arcades along Boulevard Littoral, now home to boutique shops and restaurants
Entry: Free

Cathédrale La Major (Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure)

Hours: Daily, 9:00–18:00
Entry: Free
Highlights: Neo-Byzantine architecture, impressive interiors, panoramic views from the esplanade (marseille-tourisme.com)

CMA CGM Tower & Tour La Marseillaise

CMA CGM Tower: 145-meter skyscraper designed by Zaha Hadid; not open to the public but an architectural highlight visible from afar
Tour La Marseillaise: 135-meter colorful tower by Jean Nouvel; symbolizes Marseille’s urban renewal

Planning Your Visit

Best Times to Visit

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) feature pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Summer is lively but busier, especially during festival periods.

Getting There

By Air: Marseille Provence Airport is 25 km away; shuttle bus to Saint-Charles train station, then Metro Line 2 to Joliette
By Train: Saint-Charles station, then Metro Line 2 (Joliette stop)
By Cruise Ship: La Joliette’s terminal is a short walk from major attractions; larger vessels dock at MPCT, 8 km away (Adventour Begins)
By Car: Access via A55, exit 4; paid parking nearby

Local Transport

Metro: Line 2 (Joliette)
Tram: Lines T2 and T3
Bus: Lines 35T (cruise days), 55, 82
Taxi: Stands at Place de la Joliette

Guided Tours

Walking tours focusing on history, architecture, and street art are available—bookable online or at the tourist office.

Photography Spots

MuCEM’s rooftop terrace, Les Terrasses du Port, and Esplanade de la Major offer exceptional views.

Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries

Vieux Port (Old Port): Lively harbor, seafood restaurants, and historic significance
Le Panier: Oldest neighborhood in Marseille, famous for its colorful lanes and artisan boutiques
Fort Saint-Jean: 17th-century fortress, accessible via MuCEM footbridge; gardens and ramparts open to the public

Suggested half-day itinerary: Start at Les Docks Village, stroll along the waterfront to MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean, visit Cathédrale La Major, and finish with shopping or dining at Les Terrasses du Port.

Accommodation, Dining, and Shopping

Accommodation

MEININGER Marseille Centre la Joliette: Modern and centrally located
Best Western Hotel du Mucem: 3-star comfort near major sites
NH Collection Marseille: Historic hotel with contemporary amenities
Cosy Joliette: Spacious apartments for families or groups (Miss Tourist)

Dining

Local Cuisine: Sample bouillabaisse, aioli, and Provençal seafood at port-side restaurants
Waterfront Terraces: Many eateries offer outdoor seating with sea views

Shopping

Les Terrasses du Port: 190 shops, rooftop terrace with panoramic views
Rue de la République: Elegant Haussmannian boulevard lined with shops and cafes
Markets: Marché de la Joliette (Tues, Thurs, Sat, 7:00–13:00) offers fresh local produce and regional specialties (Travel Passionate)

Visitor FAQs and Practical Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the visiting hours for major attractions?
A: MuCEM: Tue–Sun, 10:00–18:00; Les Docks: daily, 10:00–19:00; Cathédrale La Major: daily, 9:00–18:00.

Q: Are tickets required for attractions?
A: Entry to Les Docks and Cathédrale La Major is free; MuCEM and Cosquer Méditerranée require paid tickets.

Q: Is La Joliette accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
A: Yes, most sites and transport options are wheelchair accessible.

Q: How do I get tickets?
A: Purchase online via official websites or at the entrance; online booking is advised to avoid queues.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, several companies and the tourist office offer guided walks and themed tours.

Practical Tips

City Pass: Marseille City Pass offers unlimited public transport and free/discounted entry to museums (Adventour Begins)
Safety: Generally safe; use standard urban precautions
Language: French is official; English widely spoken in tourist areas
Luggage Storage: Available at Saint-Charles station and select hotels
Wi-Fi: Free in many public spaces and hotels
Emergency: Dial 112 for police, fire, ambulance

Summary and Final Recommendations

La Joliette exemplifies Marseille’s dynamic blend of heritage and innovation. From the architectural marvels of MuCEM and the CMA CGM Tower to the bustling markets and scenic waterfront promenades, the district delivers a rich and varied experience. Its central location and excellent transport links make it an ideal base for exploring Marseille’s historical sites and neighborhoods.

To maximize your visit: